*Everything that was 2014. Entries below were drafted in Shanghai, China – where internet connection is restricted and can drain happiness off you even from merely trying to get online.*Currently fluttering somewhere in the District of Columbia, Land of the FreeI just realized that I have not updated this blog for the last n months years. Here are special random highlights of the year that was.

Starting you off with some classy Bling Bling Holiday greetings from a mall next to Jing’An Temple.

2013 Bling Bling Holiday Greetings from Jing’An, Shanghai, China

(1) New Job
I moved to a new job to teach MYP/Pre-IGCSE Science somewhere in Minhang District, Shanghai.

View of the hallway from the Science and Math Block

My work corner when I started. I was transitioning into the Macbook life here.Also, there’s more clutter on my desk when school is in progress.

(2) New Home
Michael and I moved to a new apartment in June 2014. Our landlady is an interior designer / architect and her place was one of her early projects. Photos taken below during our 1st tour of the house with our property agent.

Entry area reminds me of the ocean. Bamboo ladder was kept as part of the house interior.Property agent’s pair of shoes not included.

Intricate detail on the dining table stand – lovingly hand-crafted by my landlady and her daughter.

Hallway to the guest bedroom and bathroom

Living room zen area – where we spent most of our times appreciating how awesome life is.

(3) New Adventure: Gourmet Home Cooking

We tried out xinwei to guide us in the kitchen. Proportioned ingredients for gourmet dishes with user-friendly instructions. Mackerel and Ratatouille and Mushroom Risotto were our favorites. Michael took charge of this at the kitchen. My OCD was put to good use during preparation stage.

Michael being a pro at the kitchen

The dishes did not make it to the pictures – they disappeared too quickly.

(4) New Toy: Jacuzzi – our new place came with one, in the master’s bedroom because why not